January 2018 Discussion: "Some Writer!" and "Charlotte's Web"

[Shea]

We will read Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White and Charlotte's Web in December and January and then discuss in January. Please post your thoughts on either or both books in this thread.

[Shea]

My review of Some Writer!: The Story of E. B. White
5/5 stars. I really loved this book. Melissa Sweet masterfully combines an account of White's life and works in a visually stunning way. Her admiration for his work shines through. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biographies and any fan of E.B. White.

[Julia]

Like Shea, this one is 5 stars for me as well, with thanks to my friend Kay for recommending this charming book:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

Amazon says: "Caldecott Honor winner Sweet mixes White’s personal letters, photos, and family ephemera with her own exquisite artwork to tell the story of this American literary icon. Readers young and old will be fascinated and inspired by the journalist, New Yorker contributor, and children’s book author who loved words his whole life. This authorized tribute, a New York Times bestseller, includes an afterword by Martha White, his granddaughter."

Here is my favorite illustration from the book:

[Patty]

This was Some Book! A biography that touches the heart and soul through its creative artistic style and because it celebrates a wonderful man. I learned much more from this illustrated treasury of events in the life of E.B. White than from any tome on the subject.

I loved the way White (Andy) stayed true to his nature. No matter where he lived he always recognized the beauty that surrounds you if you care to look. He was very lucky to be born into the time and place that he did. He was able to do the sort of things others just dream about. His outlook always seemed to be positive "Be Tidy. Be Brave."

I want to read more by E.B. White. He seems to be such a happy man. His humor shines in his stories about his dogs and in his collection of letters. Yet ,he did suffer from depression but he wrote the truth in simple, clear sentences, made beautiful by his Elements of Style. This book was a joy to read and explore. (less)